Proof of Salvation

        Some time ago, we looked at the story of the paraplegic, brought by his four friends (Luke 5:18-26). They couldn’t get into the house or even near Jesus because of the packed crowds around. Did they give up or walk away? Not they!

        They made their way to the roof (with the stretcher), broke up the tiles and wood frame, and through all the dust and falling dirt, lowered their friend right in front of Jesus. Jesus’ reaction is amazing, and His first words are, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” The Pharisees and the teachers of the law thought this was blasphemy. As Christians, we know that He had the right and the power to forgive. But what was the proof that the man was forgiven? Jesus shows it in a physical, emotional and moral change—the man picks up his mat and walks home, praising God.

        Another example of this life change would be the maniac of Gerasa (Luke 8:26-39)—strong physically, but out of his mind. Next, we see him clothed, in his right mind, and sitting at Jesus’ feet. The last we see of him, he is telling all over town how much Jesus has done for him.

        One final example from Scripture—there is another whom we find at Jesus’ feet: the woman who “was a sinner” (Luke 7:36-50). This time the order of events in the story is adjusted a bit, but the life change is just as sure. A woman makes her way into the home of Simon the Pharisee. As Jesus reclines at the table to eat, she stands behind. Her tears begin to wet His feet, then she “wipes them with her hair, kisses them, and pours perfume on them.” Jesus tells Simon that this is a show of “her great love.” What a change in her life!

        Can we relate? When we trusted Jesus, did some change come about in our behaviour too?Were we set free in some way? Did we come to peace with others? Was there a new direction to our love? The Lord makes it very clear that something changes. And with the cripple, the maniac, and the street woman, everybody else could see the change too.